Intermediate Substation Design Engineer

About the role

This Opportunity WSP is currently initiating a search for an Intermediate Substation Design Engineer for our Ann Arbor, MI office. Be involved in projects with our Power & Energy Substation Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients' objectives and solves their challenges.

Responsibilities

• Provides support to technical staff, engineers, and project managers for the due diligence, design, development, and construction of electric utility substations, including both physical (structural/electrical layout) and protection & control (P&C) system designs.
• Tasks may include assistance with research, design, concept development, calculations, and construction support for transmission and distribution substations, equipment specifications, grounding systems, protection schemes, and associated AC/DC systems.
• Generates accurate and concise reports and documentation regarding assigned material, design packages, and construction specifications.
• Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds industry standards for safety, reliability, and functionality.
• With minimal supervision, assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data relating to substation equipment, structure and layout considerations, protection & control device applications, equipment specifications for procurement packages, pricing efforts, and design reviews in accordance with IEEE, NESC, NERC, and utility standards.
• Perform professional electrical engineering work relating to the design of substation physical layouts (single-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, general arrangement, grounding grid design, lightning protection, equipment arrangement, conduit/trench plans) or protection & control designs (AC/DC schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, control house design, protection schemes), depending on area of specialization.
• Provide technical assistance on design requirements, equipment sizing and cabling, AC/DC system design, panel layouts, and conduit and trenching design strategies to ensure proper installation, operational safety, and long-term functionality.
• Support senior engineers with research and recommendations of fundamental components identified in design requirements, including high-voltage equipment, power transformers, circuit breakers, disconnect switches, relays, and field wiring.
• Aid in verifying site characteristics and providing technical support related to engineering, design, testing, maintenance, field installation practices, and construction procedures.
• Under minimal supervision, develop electrical calculations including loads, equipment sizing, feeder sizing, voltage drop, grounding analysis, short-circuit and coordination review (if P&C-focused), and other substation-relevant calculations.
• Write technical reports summarizing research, findings, and conclusions, generating complete, accurate, and concise documentation using sketches, calculations, spreadsheets, and engineering software.
• Assist technical staff and project managers with risk identification and assessment, contributing to design concepts, construction support, mitigation efforts, and project improvement activities.
• Work with cross-functional teams in executing project work, including project controls, business deployment, construction, procurement, document control, and permitting teams.
• Aid in preparing work plans and coordinating field/site work, including supporting field investigations, site visits, and construction support activities.
• Complete training on assigned tasks.
• Work collaboratively with other engineers and planners on projects with electrical infrastructure authorities on Federal, State, regional, and locally funded improvement and development projects.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

  Requirements

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.
  • 1 to 3 years of relevant post education experience in a electrical engineering or substation design capacity.
  • Exposure to operations and project controls experience for purposes of reporting.
  • Exposure to engineering or project controls activities used for reporting purposes.
  • Knowledge of electrical engineering principles, substation design practices, and the application of codes and standards to utility projects.
  • Familiarity with infrastructure planning, design, and construction management for utility or energy sector projects.
  • Knowledge of engineering and electrical construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and documentation requirements.
  • An analytical mindset with the ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating design considerations and making decisions.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills for interacting with both technical and non‑technical audiences.
  • Self‑leadership with attention to detail, accuracy, multi‑tasking, and prioritization in a dynamic work environment.
  • Basic proficiency with technical writing, office software, engineering tools, and spreadsheets.
  • Experience with engineering/design software such as CAD (AutoCAD, MicroStation).
  • Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team to meet project objectives.
  • Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.